Suspected Political Thugs Destroy Pantami’s Campaign Office in Gombe as PDP Accuses Governor
The Peoples Democratic Party alleged that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ordered the attack in Kumo, but the claim had not been independently established.
Suspected political thugs have reportedly vandalised the campaign office of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 2 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of ordering the attack. However, no evidence establishing the governor’s alleged involvement was provided in the report.
The governor and the chairman of Akko Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Barambu, had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of the report.
PDP Chieftains Call for Investigation
PDP chieftains condemned the reported destruction, describing it as a threat to peaceful political competition and the right of candidates and their supporters to organise without intimidation.
They called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and determine whether anyone ordered, financed or facilitated the attack.
One of the party figures said political differences could not justify the destruction of campaign property.
The chieftains also urged investigators to act impartially and ensure that anyone found culpable faced the consequences under the law, regardless of political position.
Attack Occurs Amid 2027 Election Preparations
The reported vandalism comes as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.
Pantami, who served as communications and digital economy minister under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has emerged as a prominent figure in discussions surrounding the state’s next governorship contest.
His political journey has also involved disputes over the PDP’s candidate-selection process and the publication of candidates’ names by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The latest incident has added to concerns about political tensions and the safety of campaign facilities as preparations for the election continue.
Party Appeals for Calm
The PDP chieftains urged supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, stressing that political disputes should be resolved through lawful channels.
They called for a transparent investigation into the destruction of the campaign office and billboard, insisting that political competition should be settled through democratic processes rather than intimidation or violence.
As of the time of the report, no arrests had been announced in connection with the incident, and there was no official statement from the governor or the police detailing an investigation.
